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November 28, 2006
The Male Biological Clock: It Ticks, Too
by Stephanie Koze
Now that erectile dysfunction, or ED, is out of the closet and men are seeking appropriate medical care to treat it, the time has come to address another sensitive subject – the impact of the ticking, male biological clock upon fertility and birth defects in offspring.
Medical experts know that male fertility declines with age. And, newer research has led to strong speculation that men 40 and older are more likely than younger men to produce children with medical conditions, such as schizophrenia and autism. Among other reasons, DNA strands in the sperm of older men are more likely to break – leading to potential birth defects.
While it is relatively common to hear about women’s concerns regarding their ticking biological clocks, we need to do more to educate couples that a woman’s age is not the only factor to consider when attempting to conceive. A male’s age is important, too.
As people put off having children due to careers, delays in finding the right partner and many other issues, medical professionals, the media and couples need to discuss the male’s age, as well as the female’s age, when it comes to having children.
Posted by stephanie_koze at November 28, 2006 12:28 PM
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